Thursday, July 26, 2007

Chelsea Tote Bag!

I'm so in Lo-ha-ha-ve with this tote bag! A while ago I ordered the Amy Butler "Chelsea Bags" pattern, and now with my new found freedom to do whatever I please, I got the sewing machine out and got going. To tell you the truth, after I cut out the pattern and the fabric pieces, I had to step away from the project. Such was the aversion to sewing. After a couple of hours I went back, sucked it up and - voila! I'm glad I made the tote bag first, because for some reason, the sewing machine was backed away faster than you can say 'needle'. I wanted to make the handbag too, but I guess this is for another time. As I said, I love the finished bag. It looks quite simple, but came with an overwhelming sheet of instruction. I guessed that it was not as bad as it seemed, and I was right.There was supposed to be an interface behind the exterior fabric, but since it's a very stiff linen kind of fabric, and I didn't find the one mentioned in the pattern, I just left it out. The bag will not stand up on its one like this, but it doesn't have to! ;o)It's reversible, but I will use it only like this. A need feature is the false bottom, very cute.

My little pewter brooch sheep grassing all by itself.

I always wanted to use my winning swatch for an addition for a bag, and this seemed the perfect opportunity to use it. It was easy to sew it on with the sewing machine. I had my doubts about it, but just went for it. It's a bit of a rush rush work, but I didn't want to THINK, because I would have run away from the sewing machine again, so I had to get going and stick to it.

Very interesting and clever is the construction of the bottom. I loved it. I've never done this before, and it worked out so beautifully.

It could be a knitting bag, of course, but doesn't have to be. The cup is there for size reference. Oh, the bag is 4" deep, 10" wide, and 15" high. It's perfect! I got the pattern here: Cia's Palette. They have real nice fabric too, but I didn't buy any.

The back side is not very interesting. This linen fabric is so stiff, not even steam ironing helped get the creases out.

And what's that now? What's in the bag you ask? Why the yarn for my next knitting project of course! More about that later.

I'm very excited right now, and all over the place with projects I'd like to do, and have already done. Today, I've knit a hat with my hand spun yarn. But that's a different post. I made some connections for some more mini sock key chains. I tell you, bead work is NOT for me! I've been spinning as well, and knitting, and ... oh, you'll see! ;o)

What a nice bag! I love the color of the knitted swatch. I also like the little sheepy. My sewing machine has been sitting in the corner of my closet wanting me to sew with it. But I need some nice fabrics first. Wow..I need a whole room for my crafts.

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About Me

I live in Canada now, but I'm originally from Austria.
My White Shepherd Happy, and Denny the mutt, are my constant companions. Maggie is my sons dog, but she's with me most of the day. I have two grown kids too ;o) by the way.